MINI Philippines has introduced the 1965 Victory Edition, a one-off model that recalls the brand’s win at the Monte Carlo Rally more than six decades ago.

Only one unit was allotted to the Philippine market, and it had already been claimed before its official launch. The car carries a price of P4.649 million and uses the MINI John Cooper Works as its base.

The special edition traces its roots to the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, where Finnish driver Timo Mäkinen and British co-driver Paul Easter took the Mini Cooper S to victory. Their car raced with the number 52, which appears across the commemorative model.

“Winning in Monte Carlo in 1965 wasn’t just a victory; it was also a milestone that shaped MINI’s identity,” MINI Philippines president Willy Tee Ten said.

“The MINI 1965 Victory Edition brings together the heart and soul of that moment with a modern drive packed with loads of fun. It’s a powerful reminder of the passion that defines MINI and every detail points to the courage and craftsmanship that make the brand truly unique.”


The connection is most visible on the exterior. The car has Chili Red paint with a white stripe that runs from the bonnet to the roof and rear. Large white number 52 graphics appear on both sides, while a smaller “1965” sticker sits on the C-pillar.

A Glazed White roof and panoramic roof contrast with the red body. The car also gets 18-inch alloy wheels, floating center hubs and John Cooper Works tire valve caps that match the edition’s color treatment.

The cabin uses the familiar John Cooper Works mix of anthracite and red. The door sill carries “1965” lettering on a red and black background, while the inner door includes a dedication tied to the rally win. The same year appears on the lower spoke of the steering wheel and on the storage box in the center console. The key cap carries the number 52.

Its mechanical package comes from the gasoline-powered MINI John Cooper Works. A 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo engine sends power to the front wheels through a seven-speed Steptronic transmission.

The engine produces 231 horsepower from 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and 380 Newton-meters of torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm. MINI lists a zero to 100 kph time of 6.1 seconds and a top speed of 250 kph. Its stated average fuel use is 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers.

The 1965 Victory Edition will not be the brand’s last limited model for the year. MINI Philippines said three more special editions will arrive in the country before the end of 2026, although it has yet to identify them.